Alex Prenzel, Crows Nest (2025)

24/02/2025

This time last year, I was running over 20km a week.

I had completed a couple of half marathons, something I never imagined doing as I approached my 50th birthday. It felt like such an achievement.
But then, my running started to drop off. And with that came a creeping feeling of failure?

For a while now I’ve been resisting the change. Being critical of myself for not being able to keep it up. But recently I’ve been listening more closely to my body, my breath and the quieter wisdom that comes with experience.

What I’ve discovered is that my body isn’t asking for more kilometres. It’s asking for balance. More gentleness. More kindness.

So instead of pushing myself to run, I’ve embraced a different rhythm:
✨ Earlier nights, earlier mornings
✨ Breathwork, yoga, meditation
✨ A sunrise walk with Rosie (the best way to start the day)

As we age, especially as women, it’s easy to believe we have to push harder to be “better.” But sometimes, strength comes from slowing down and truly listening to what we need in this season of life.

Maybe running will return for me. Maybe it won’t. But right now, I’m finding something just as valuable: alignment.

How do you tune into yourself?

27/01/2025

Spending the long weekend diving into Two Old Men Dying by Tom Keneally. Powerful storytelling exploring life, mortality, and cultural legacies, with a focus on Australia’s First Peoples and their extraordinary heritage.

It’s reminder to acknowledge the wisdom and resilience of the world’s oldest continuing culture. Recognising and celebrating the deep connections First Peoples have with this land—connections that span tens of thousands of years.

I’m inspired to listen more, learn more, and honour the stories that shape this country.

Have you read it? I’d love to hear your thoughts—or any recommendations for similar reads that inspire reflection on history, culture, and connection.

22/01/2025

💥 “I’ve worried about money every single day since starting my business.”

That’s the truth. No sugarcoating, no gloss. Starting my own business hasn’t been easy. It’s consumed my thoughts, created tension in my relationship with my husband, and pushed me to my limits.

And yet... I wouldn’t change a thing.
Here’s why:
* The freedom to spend more time with my family.
* The thrill of creating something from scratch.
* The courage to speak my mind, explore new ideas, and learn what I’m capable of.
This journey didn’t happen in isolation. It’s built on privilege—my parents’ hard work, my education, and the opportunity to move to a new country 20 years ago. It’s also driven by my determination to remain independent and live life on my terms.

My husband has supported me 1000%, even when he couldn’t quite understand why I left a “safe” job to take this risk.
It’s messy, it’s uncertain—but it’s transformative.

So, what’s holding you back from making a big change in your life? What lies on the other side of accepting that risk for you?

11/12/2024

🌟 Growth isn’t just what you do—it’s who you become.

Here’s a mindset shift: Growth isn’t about ticking boxes or doing more. It’s about how you show up—in work, life, and everything in between.

That’s why I created The Happy Project Manager course, built on four transformational pillars:
✨ Self – Balance work, find your flow, and live fully.
✨ Synergy – Build connections that make everyone thrive.
✨ Systems – Master tools for project (and personal) success.
✨ Shift – Grow from the inside out with intentional inner work.

🚀 Growth isn’t solo. It’s a partnership—with your team, your environment, and the people who matter most. It’s about creating a life that works both inside and outside the office.

👉 What’s your biggest growth challenge right now? Let’s learn from each other in the comments!

💌 Ready to level up? DM me for waitlist details about The Happy Project Manager course.

03/12/2024

You know you picked the right marketing coach when this is your Christmas party! What an amazing day organised by Mandy Millan and guided thorough in incredible breathwork session by Ashling Gaffney

05/11/2024

Feeling stuck in a cycle of stress?

I'm sharing here one of the most transformative tools I use with clients: The Stress Cycle.

Whether it’s work pressures, family challenges, or personal struggles, stress often traps us in patterns that keep us feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.

In this video, I cover:
1️⃣ What the Stress Cycle is and how it impacts every area of life.
2️⃣ Where you can shift – understanding when and how to break the cycle.
3️⃣ Practical techniques like planning responses, meditation, and breathwork to calm reactivity and take back control.

If you’re ready to make real changes and step out of that loop, this is for you! Watch now to start mapping out your own stress cycle and learning how to create a more peaceful, intentional response.

Let’s start breaking the cycle together! 💪

23/10/2024

Two weeks back in project management, and guess what? Some old patterns decided to come out and play! Hyperfocused on organising my day to the second, juggling time management tools (that take forever to plan), and the classic “There’s never enough time!” soundtrack running on repeat in my head. Familiar, right? Like an old song you can’t get out of your head.

But today, while wandering through the city, I had a lightbulb moment 💡—this obsession with time? It’s just the lenses I’ve been wearing for years. Not reality, just how I’ve chosen to see things. Jumping back into project management slapped those old lenses right back on. But here’s the cool part: once you spot the lens, you realise you get to choose how you see things.

Meditation allows us to take a step back, zoom out, and drop the story. And now I’m bringing that same mindset into my project management work. Sure, those time-focused lenses have their place, but they aren’t the truth. They’re just one way of looking at things. So, I’m treating this like an experiment. The lenses have a place — but I’m not mistaking them for the full story!

Now it’s your turn—what lens are you rocking today? 😎

22/10/2024

Feeling stuck?
Whether you’re seeking clarity for yourself or support for your team, I’m here to help you move forward with purpose.
Let’s unlock your potential together!
Reach out for a 1:1 coaching or group sessions designed to inspire, empower, and create lasting change.

18/10/2024

✨ Wrapping Up My First Week Back in Project Management (After 2 Years Away!) ✨

It’s been an interesting week getting back into the swing of things after 2 years away from project management. To cap it off, I took a little time for myself last night with a full moon swim 🌕—a perfect reminder of how important it is to make time for the things that recharge me, even when things are busy!

Two key takeaways from this week:

1. The “Just One More Thing” Rabbit Hole
We’ve all been there: just one more email, one more task... and suddenly hours have passed. I know I need breaks, but even so, I found myself slipping into old habits this week. Lucky for me, Rosie (my dog 🐶) reminded me to take a break when I really needed it. Next week, I’ll be more intentional about taking those breaks—thanks, Rosie!

2. Whose Voice is Running the Show?
This week, I noticed that the voice in my head wasn’t always mine—it sometimes sounded like an old boss or a harsher version of myself pushing too hard. But here’s the thing: I get to choose which voice I listen to. So, I’m making sure the kind, supportive voice gets the lead role from now on!

Excited to carry these insights into next week as I continue to balance the craziness of project management with a little self-care magic sprinkled in. ✨

What about you? How do you make sure you’re taking breaks or managing that inner voice? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you—drop your thoughts in the comments!

17/10/2024

✨ Guess who’s back to project management? 🙋‍♀️✨

This week, I’m diving back in, armed with all the tools and techniques I’ve picked up over the last few years. The big question is: how can I stay organized without turning into a control freak? 😂

I want to feel spacious and chill, but sometimes anxiety sneaks in. So, how do I talk about creating space when it feels like I’ve got a lot on my plate? 🍽️

It’s all part of my mission to become the happiest project manager out there—practicing what I preach, one deep breath at a time. 🌬️

15/10/2024

✨ 5 Ways to Be a Happier Project Manager ✨

Project management can feel like it’s taking over your life, but it doesn’t have to! Here are 5 simple ways to create more balance and joy in your day:

1. Prioritise Your Well-being 🧘‍♀️ Start with a daily practice—whether it’s meditation, a walk, or journaling (dog in lap optional 😉). You’ll feel more focused and calm.

2. Master Saying ‘No’ ✋ Protect your time, in and out of work. It’s your life—you choose how to spend it!

3. Delegate and Lighten Your Load 🏋️‍♂️ Don’t do it all. Empower your team and create space for what matters.

4. Discover Tools That Make Life Easier 🛠️ Explore new tools to streamline your work—it can even be fun to experiment!

5. Celebrate Small Wins 🎉 Find joy in the process, not just the big finish. Celebrate progress!
Remember, this is your life—you get to decide how much space work takes up. Small changes can create a happier, more balanced you.

✨ How do you bring more fun into your workday? Drop your tips in the comments! ✨

14/10/2024

Is it Project Management or Project Management Consultancy?

A colleague recently shared an interesting thought: the problem isn’t project management itself—it’s project management consultancy, especially in the property and construction industry.

This feels personal to me, as I’m returning to project management as a part-time contractor after 2.5 years away from it. When I talk to project managers, many tell me they genuinely enjoy aspects of the role—solving problems, leading teams, delivering successful projects. But what often wears them down are the external pressures: juggling multiple jobs, chasing new business, and managing the relentless demands of their organisation.

Lately, I’ve noticed more project managers stepping away from being employees and moving towards becoming contractors. It raises the question—is this the solution? And if so, what impact will it have on the industry, the organisations they leave behind, and the clients they serve?

Could more freedom and control be the key to a happier, more balanced project management life? Or does it create new challenges we haven’t fully considered?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—are we heading towards a shift in how we manage projects, or are we missing something bigger?

Alex Prenzel

24/02/2025

27/01/2025

22/01/2025

11/12/2024

03/12/2024

05/11/2024

23/10/2024

22/10/2024

18/10/2024

17/10/2024

15/10/2024

14/10/2024

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